Pattern configurable reticle

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and device for configuring an optical aiming device for ballistic drop compensation (BDC). The optical aiming device can include a housing with a reticle pane defining a reticle display field viewable by a user and indicating a zero point, the housing further including a plurality of axially spaced lenses and defining an optical path therethrough. In various embodiments the system includes a display device configured to project an image generated from a display, a processor, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer readable data storage medium can include instructions executable by the processor to receive a first set of ballistics input data indicating a first type of ammunition, determine a BDC pattern including at least two holdover marks corresponding to at least two ranges for the first type of ammunition, and project the BDC pattern onto the reticle display field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/180,663, filed Nov. 5, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/608,617, filed May 30, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,175,031, issued Jan. 8, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/342,485, filed May 27, 2016, the entiretyof the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an aiming device.Specifically, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a system forreticle configuration in an aiming device, such as a rifle scope,thermal scope, smart scope, digital scope, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Many firearms, such as rifles, are equipped with an optical aimingdevice, such as a rifle scope, that provides the user with an image ofan aligned aiming point or pattern (commonly known as a reticle)superimposed at the same focus as the target.

When shooting at long distances, shooters must adjust their aim to takeinto account the downward acceleration on the projectile imparted bygravity, which is often referred to as “bullet drop.” In some instances,this is done by adjusting the angular position of the optics of therifle scope relative to the rifle barrel using an elevation turret.Similarly, a shooter may also adjust for left-to-right movement due towind using a windage turret.

Additionally, the optical aiming device can be outfitted with aballistic drop compensation (“BDC”) reticle that includes a reticlepattern for assisting a shooter to predict bullet drop at variousranges. The reticle can include a pattern with several differentholdover marks stacked vertically beneath a central dot or crosshairwhich represents a zero mark. As such, when a firearm is zeroed to acertain range at the central crosshair, the stacked holdover marks willcorrespond to the bullet's impact at longer ranges. Accordingly, ashooter can choose an aiming point corresponding to one of the holdovermarks or a point in between.

Humidity, elevation, temperature, grain size, bullet velocity and othervarious factors affect the flight of a bullet and the amount of bulletdrop. As such, fixed-position BDC holdover marks do not consistentlyrepresent ranges. Furthermore, depending upon the above factors, theranges represented can vary significantly, requiring calibration andexperience for a shooter to accurately predict bullet drop and to usethe BDC reticle.

Previous attempts to provide a BDC reticle are shown and described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,703,679; 6,269,581; and in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0247702;each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an opticalaiming device including a configurable ballistic drop compensation (BDC)reticle. In various embodiments, the reticle includes a BDC pattern,including one or more BDC holdover marks, that is configurable based ona plurality of weapon and ammunition pairings. For example, one or moreembodiments of the disclosure provide for customizable placement of BDCholdover marks in a reticle pattern, where the placement corresponds touser-selected ranges or impact points for a particular weapon andammunition pairing. In various embodiments, the positions of the BDCholdover marks in the reticle pattern are based on a determinedballistic trajectory path for the particular weapon and ammunitionpairing.

Accordingly, various embodiments improve shooter accuracy at range, asthe BDC pattern is specifically configured to indicate user designatedranges for the particular weapon and ammunition pair. This provides animprovement compared to BDC reticles with a static BDC pattern, as thestatic pattern may include holdover marks that are not positioned basedon the gun and cartridge combination for which the optical aiming deviceis being used. Instead, if a user desires that the holdover marks in thestatic BDC pattern correspond to one or more specific ranges, thereticle may need to be designed based on that particular weapon andammunition pair.

Additionally, one or more embodiments improve scope utility by allowingfor various configurable BDC patterns for use with a plurality ofdifferent weapon and ammunition pairings. For example, for static BDCpatterns, if the gun and/or ammunition changes, the holdover marks,which may be lines, of the pattern will have an entirely differentmeaning with regard to ranges. As such, the shooter would need todetermine the new ranges indicated by the holdover marks, or utilize areticle with a different BDC pattern. Similarly, if a user changes theirpreferences as to what ranges should be indicated by the BDC pattern,the reticle again would need to be replaced with one utilizing adifferent pattern.

Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the disclosure are directed to asystem for configuring an optical aiming device for ballistic dropcompensation (BDC). In one or more embodiments the optical aiming deviceincluding a housing with a reticle pane defining a reticle display fieldviewable by a user and indicating a zero point. In certain embodimentsthe housing further includes a plurality of axially spaced lenses anddefines an optical path therethrough. In one or more embodiments thesystem includes a display device configured to project an imagegenerated from a display, a processor, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium. In various embodiments the computer readabledata storage medium including instructions executable by the processorto perform various functions or tasks. In certain embodiments, theinstructions are executable to receive a first set of ballistics inputdata indicating at least a first type of ammunition, and determine,using the first set of ballistics input data, a BDC pattern including atleast two holdover marks corresponding to at least two ranges along aballistic trajectory of the first type of ammunition greater than arange indicated by the zero point. In various embodiments theinstructions are executable to project, using the display device, theBDC pattern onto the reticle display field.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a method ofconfiguring an optical aiming device for ballistic drop compensation(BDC). In one or more embodiments the optical aiming device furtherincludes a processor, a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumcoupled with the processor, and a first display device. In certainembodiments the method includes receiving a first set of ballisticsinput data indicating at least a first type of ammunition. In certainembodiments the method includes receiving a first user-selected rangeand a second user-selected range each indicating a range along aballistic trajectory of the first type of ammunition greater than arange indicated by the zero point. In certain embodiments the methodincludes determining, using the first set of ballistics input data, afirst BDC pattern including at least two holdover marks corresponding tothe first and second user-selected ranges. In various embodiments themethod includes projecting, using the first display device, the firstBDC pattern onto the reticle display field. In various embodiments themethod includes receiving, subsequent to projecting the first BDCpattern, a third user-selected range indicating a range along theballistic trajectory of the first type of ammunition greater than therange indicated by the zero point. In various embodiments the methodincludes determining, using the first set of ballistics input data, asecond BDC pattern including a holdover mark corresponding to the thirduser-selected range. And in one or more embodiments the method includesprojecting, using the first display device, the second BDC pattern ontothe reticle display field.

One or more embodiments are directed to an optical aiming deviceincluding a housing extending from a forward bell portion including anobjective lens to a rearward eyepiece portion including an ocular lens.In various embodiments the optical aiming device further includes areticle pane positioned in the optical path in one or more of a firstand second focal plane, the reticle pane at least partially defining areticle display field including a zero point and viewable by a user, aprocessor, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium coupledwith the processor.

In certain embodiments the optical aiming device further includes afirst display device and a second display device, the first displaydevice positioned in the housing between one of the ocular lens and thesecond focal plane, and the objective lens and the first focal plane,and the second display device is positioned in the housing between theother of the ocular lens and the second focal plane, and the objectivelens and the first focal plane.

In various embodiments the computer readable storage medium includesinstructions, executable by the processor, to cause the optical aimingdevice to determine a ballistic trajectory for a first ammunition,determine, using the ballistic trajectory, a BDC pattern including atleast two holdover marks corresponding to at least two ranges along theballistic trajectory greater than a range indicated by the zero point,project, using the first display, the BDC pattern onto the reticledisplay field, and project, using the second display device, one or moreof status indicators displaying system information, environmentalinformation, time information and orientation information onto thereticle display field.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems,methods, and devices for configuring a reticle display field of anaiming device. In various embodiments, the aiming device including ahousing defining an objective portion and an eyepiece portion. In suchembodiments the aiming device configured to present a down-range imageand the reticle display field through the eyepiece portion and isconfigurable between a plurality of magnification settings formagnifying the down-range image to a user.

In one or more embodiments the device includes a display device, amagnification sensor, a processor, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium. In various embodiments the display device isconfigured to display a digital reticle image in the reticle displayfield, the digital reticle image including a first digital reticleportion. In one or more embodiments the magnification sensor isconfigured to produce an output signal that indicates a magnificationsetting for the aiming device. In various embodiments the non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium includes instructions executable by theprocessor.

In one or more embodiments the instructions are executable to cause theprocessor to receive a first output signal from the magnificationsensor, the first output signal corresponding to a first magnificationsetting for the aiming device. In one or more embodiments theinstructions are executable to cause the processor to determine, usingthe first output signal, the first magnification setting and todetermine an expected engagement range for the first magnificationsetting and an expected engagement range for the first digital reticleportion.

In one or more embodiments the instructions are executable to cause theprocessor to determine that the expected engagement range of the firstdigital reticle portion and the expected engagement range of the firstmagnification setting at least partially overlap. In one or moreembodiments the instructions are executable to cause the processor to,in response to determining that the expected engagement range of thefirst digital reticle portion and the expected engagement range of thefirst magnification setting at least partially overlap, display, usingthe display device, the first digital reticle portion in the reticledisplay field.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into,and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative ofcertain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1A-1B depict a cross-sections of an optical aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a system architecture view of an optical aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3E depicts reticle display fields, according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method for configuring anoptical aiming device for ballistic drop compensation (BDC), accordingto one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a system for configuring an optical aiming device forBDC, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a system architecture view of a client device and/orservice device for configuring an optical aiming device for BDC,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict stages of assembly of a system for configuring anoptical aiming device for BDC, according to one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a system architecture for electronic circuitry in anoptical aiming device, according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9D depict a variety of reticle display fields, according to oneor more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method 1000 of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method 1000 of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a system architecture for an aiming device, according toone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device,according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16C depict reticle display fields, according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shownby way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit thedisclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A depicts an ocular aiming device 100 according to one or moreembodiments. In various embodiments, the ocular aiming device 100includes a housing 104 formed from an exterior tube 108. In certainembodiments, the housing 104 extends between a forward portion 112 thatdefines a bell portion 116 and a rearward portion 120 that defines aneyepiece portion 124. In one or more embodiments, the housing 104 isgenerally tubular shaped and defines an optical passageway for light topass therethrough, along a central axis 128. In certain embodiments, thedevice 100 includes an ocular lens 132 positioned in the eyepieceportion 124 and an objective lens 136 positioned in the bell portion116. In one or more embodiments, the device 100 includes an erector tube140 mounted internally in the device 100 and co-axial with the housing104.

In various embodiments, the erector tube 140 includes a reticle pane 144and one or more axially spaced erector lenses 148, 149, 150, mountedwithin for magnification and creation of a reticle display field in theoptical pathway. As used herein, reticle display field refers to areticle and various other indicators or marks that are visible to a userwhen viewing through the optical aiming device. In one or moreembodiments the erector tube 140 is connected to the exterior tube 108via a pivoting frame for adjustments to the angle of the erector tube140 relative to the housing 104 for elevation and windage adjustments.Accordingly, in certain embodiments the device 100 additionally includesan elevation adjust knob or turret 152 and a windage adjust knob orturret (not shown) for pivoting the erector tube 140 for suchadjustments.

The reticle pane 144 is a pane or lens of transparent material that isviewable in the device 100 by a shooter through the ocular lens 132. Invarious embodiments, the reticle pane 144 includes a reticle or patternfor directing the aim of a shooter. When viewed through the device 100 ashooter will observe a reticle display field, defined at least in partby the reticle pane 144, which includes the reticle or pattern. Forexample, in various embodiments the reticle pane 144 includes a physicalreticle of two etched lines, wires, or the like, that form a crosshairin the reticle display field and form a portion of the reticle.Described further herein, in some embodiments, reticle pane 144 is blankand has a digitally projected reticle or pattern that is reflected ontothe reticle pane 144 to form a crosshair, or other suitable aiming markin the reticle display field.

Depicted in FIG. 1A, the reticle pane 144 is positioned in the firstfocal plane, at a forward portion 156 of the erector tube 140. However,in certain embodiments, the erector lens 150 could instead be configuredas a reticle pane, such that the reticle pane is positioned in thesecond focal plane at the rearward portion 160 of the erector tube 140.In some embodiments, the erector tube 140 can include multiple reticlepanes positioned at both the forward portion 156 and at the rearwardportion 160 of the erector tube 140.

In various embodiments, the device 100 includes a display device 164 forprojecting a digital image onto the reticle pane 144. In one or moreembodiments, display device 164 includes a display 166, lens 168 and aprism 172 positioned internally within the housing 104. As used herein,prism 172 refers to a glass or other transparent object in prism form,in some embodiments, prism includes a transparent object including twoor more refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other. In someembodiments, prism 172 is a beam splitter. For example, in certainembodiments, prism 172 is a dielectric mirror, beam splitter cube,coated mirror, reflective surface or other suitable type of beamsplitter.

In one or more embodiments, the display 166 is any suitable type ofdisplay device including, but not limited to, an organic light emittingdisplay (OLED), a standard light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquidcrystal display (LCD), and a digital micro-mirror display. In certainembodiments, display device 164 can be any combination of devices forprojecting an image onto the reticle pane 144.

Depicted in FIG. 1A, display device 164 is positioned within the housing104 and in the optical pathway such that at least some portion of theincoming light from the objective lens 136 passes through the prism 172.In some embodiments, the prism 172 display device 164 is fullytransparent such that the display device 164 does not significantlyobscure or block the light passing through the prism 172. Further, whileFIG. 1A depicts the display device 164 as being positioned in theoptical pathway, in some embodiments, display device 164 is offset fromthe optical pathway such incoming light does not interact with the prism172 or other display device 164 elements.

The size of the prism 172 and display device 164, relative to thehousing 104 and the optical pathway within the device 100, as depictedin FIG. 1A are for clarity rather than an actual depiction of therelative sizes of the components. As such, in various embodiments, thesize of the prism 172 and other components of the display device 164could be larger or smaller relative to the size of the housing, theoptical pathway, and other elements of the device 100.

In operation, in one or more embodiments, the display 166 emits anoutput image for projection onto the reticle pane 144 to define thereticle display field. The lens 168 focuses the output image toward theprism 172, which is reflected and projected upon the reticle pane 144,modifying the reticle display field to include the output image. Assuch, when a user views the reticle pane 144, the output image appearsoverlaid onto the original reticle pattern. Accordingly, and describedfurther in FIG. 3 , the reticle pattern is customizable based on theemitted image from the display 164.

Described further with reference to FIG. 2 , in various embodiments, thedisplay device 164 is communicatively coupled with various electroniccircuitry for control of the display device 164. In certain embodiments,the housing 104 will provide the necessary space for mounting theelectronic circuitry, as well a portable power supply for generating andprojecting images onto the reticle pane 144. However, in certainembodiments, some or all of the electronic circuitry is mountedexternally to the housing 104.

FIG. 1A depicts the display device 164 positioned in the housing 104forward of the reticle pane 144, positioned between the objective lens136 and the erector tube 140. As a result, in various embodiments, theimage or reticle pattern projected onto the reticle pane 144 by thedisplay 166 and prism 172 is magnified by the erector lenses 148, 149,150. In addition, FIG. 1A depicts a single display device 164 positionedin the housing 104. However, in various embodiments, the device 100could include two or more display devices and/or a display devicepositioned rearwardly in the housing, between the erector tube 140 andthe ocular lens 132.

For example, referring to FIG. 1B, an ocular aiming device 102 isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments,the ocular aiming device 102 is substantially similar to ocular aimingdevice 100 in FIG. 1A, and includes a housing 104, ocular lens 132positioned in the eyepiece portion 124, an objective lens 136 positionedin the bell portion 116, and an erector tube 140 including reticle pane144 and erector lenses 148, 149, 150. In various embodiments, ocularaiming device 102 includes a first display device 164 and a seconddisplay device 176. Second display device 176 is substantially the sameas first display device 164, including a display 166, lens 168 and prism172 configured to project an image from the display 166 onto the reticlepane 144. As a result, in certain embodiments, the reticle pane 144 caninclude two or more overlapping images each projected by differentdisplay devices, allowing for more complex reticle patterns or images.In various embodiments, the second display device 176 is positionedrearwardly in the housing 104, between the erector tube 140 and theocular lens 132 and is configured to project an image onto the secondreticle pane, onto the erector lens 150. As a result, in variousembodiments, the image projected onto the erector lens 150 by thedisplay 166 is left un-magnified. This configuration can be particularlyhelpful when the display device 176 is projecting text or otherinformation or where certain portions of the projected image arepreferred not to be magnified.

While FIGS. 1A-1B depicts the ocular aiming device 100, 102 as a riflescope or telescopic sight, in certain embodiments, the ocular aimingdevice 100, 102 could be any type of suitable sighting device. Forexample, the optical aiming device 100, 102 could be a reflex sight,holographic sight, digital scope, or other type of sighting device.

FIG. 2 depicts a system architecture for electronic circuitry in anoptical aiming device 200, according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. In various embodiments, optical aiming device 200 is thesame or substantially similar as optical aiming device 100 depicted inFIG. 1 . The electronic circuitry of the optical aiming device 200includes a processor 204, a memory 208, network adaptor 212,input/output (I/O) interface 216, display 164, and a bus 220 thatcommunicatively couples various system components.

Processor 204 is a collection of one or more logical cores or units forreceiving and executing instructions or programs. For example, in one ormore embodiments, processor 204 is configured to receive and executevarious routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures,and so on to perform particular tasks or implement particular abstractdata types.

Memory 208, is a collection of various computer-readable media in thesystem architecture. In various embodiments, memory 208 can include, butis not limited to volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media,and non-removable media. For example, in one or more embodiments, memory208 can include random access memory (RAM), cache memory, read onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, solid state memory, or other suitable typeof memory. In one or more embodiments, memory 208 includes any mediathat is accessible to the electronic circuitry in the optical aimingdevice 200. For example, in some embodiments, memory 208 includescomputer readable media located locally in the optical aiming device 200and/or media located remotely to the optical aiming device 200 andaccessible via a network.

In certain embodiments, further described with reference to FIG. 5 ,memory 208 includes at least one program product having a group of oneor more logical instructions that are executable by the processor 204 tocarry out the functions of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

Bus 220 represents one or more of any of suitable type of bus structuresfor communicatively connecting the electronic circuitry of the device200. In various embodiments the bus 220 includes a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, and a processor or local bus using any ofa variety of bus architectures.

In various embodiments, the I/O interface 216 facilities communicationbetween the various components of the electronic circuitry. For example,in one or more embodiments, I/O interface 216 is communicatively coupledwith the display 164, processor 204 and memory 208 for emitting anoutput image via the display 164. For example, in certain embodiments,the processor 204 generates an output that corresponds to a particularBDC pattern. The processor 204 can transmit this output the I/Ointerface 216 which can then translate the processor output intoinstructions which are compatible with the display 164 and which resultin the display 164 emitting an image corresponding to the BDC pattern.

In certain embodiments the I/O interface 216 facilitates communicationwith input and output devices for interacting with a user. For example,I/O interface 216 can communicate with one or more devices such, as auser-input device 224 and/or an external display 228, which enable auser to interact directly with the device 200. User-input device 224 maycomprise a keyboard, one or more push-buttons, a touch screen, or otherdevices that allows a user to input information. External display 228may comprise any of a variety of visual displays, such as a viewablescreen, a set of viewable symbols or numbers, and so on.

In one or more embodiments, network adaptor 212 enables communicationwith one or more external computing devices via one or more networkprotocols. For example, in various embodiments, optical aiming device200 can communicate using one or more networks such as a local areanetwork (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a publicnetwork (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 212. In certainembodiments, network adaptor 212 communicates wirelessly, transmittingand receiving data over air. For example, in certain embodiments networkadapter 212 can communicate using Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, or other suitableform of wireless communication. In some embodiments network adapter 212can communicate to an external computing device via a wired connection.

FIG. 2 is only one example of a suitable system and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theembodiments described herein. Regardless, the depicted systemarchitecture is capable of being implemented and/or performing thefunctionality as set forth herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, a variety of reticle display fields 300, 304,308, 309, 310 are depicted, according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. In various embodiments, each of the reticle display fields300, 304, 308, 309, 310, include a BDC pattern reticle 300 a, 300 b, 300c having a crosshairs with intersecting horizontal line 316 and verticalline 320. The horizontal line 316 and vertical line 320 intersect toform a central zero mark 312 which denotes a zero point. The zero pointis determined when sighting a firearm at a known distance by adjustingthe angular position of an optical aiming device relative to the barrelof a firearm until the impact point of a fired projectile matches thezero point on the reticle display field 300, 304, 308 309, 310.Consequently, the zero point indicates a first known distance or range.

To target ranges greater than the first known distance, a shooter mayadjust the elevation of the scope, thus changing the zero point, orsimply shift aim vertically to adjust for bullet drop at ranges beyondthe first known distance. For example, in certain embodiments, thereticle display fields 300, 304, 308, 309, 310 each include a pluralityof BDC holdover marks 324. The BDC holdover marks 324 provide a visualindication of a vertical shift required to fire a projectile at a rangebeyond the zero point. In some embodiments, the reticle display fields300, 304, 308, 309, 310 also include a plurality of windage adjustmentmarks 328. Windage adjustment marks provide visual indications oflateral shift for compensating for deflecting crosswinds.

In various embodiments, some or all of the lines in the reticle displayfield 300, 304, 308, 309, 310 are generated or projected upon a reticlepane by a display. For example, the one or more of the horizontal line316, vertical line 320, BDC holdover marks 324, and windage adjustmentmarks 328 could be projected upon a reticle pane via a display, such asdisplay device 164 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the reticle display field 300,304, 308, 309, 310 is entirely customizable. For example, instead of acrosshairs, zero mark 312 could be displayed as a duplex reticle, targetdot, MILDOT, circle dot, or other suitable type of reticle. Similarly,in various embodiments, the BDC holdover marks 324 and/or windageadjustment marks 328 can be moved, removed, added, or have othermodifications based on the output image of a display.

Accordingly, FIGS. 3A-3E depict configurable reticle display field 300,304, 308, 309, 310 that include projected BDC holdover marks 324 and/orwindage adjustment marks 328, according to one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3A depicts BDC holdover marks 324 including a first holdover mark332 and a second holdover mark 336. The first holdover mark 332 andsecond holdover mark 336 can be set to indicate various ranges that aregreater than the range of the zero point in order to compensate forbullet drop. In various embodiments, the first and second holdover marks332, 336 include holdover points 314 a 1, 314 b 1. The holdover points314 a 1, 314 b 1 are points of intersection between vertical line 320and holdover marks 332, 336. As such, holdover points 314 a 1, 314 b 1denote aiming points for firing at the ranges indicated by the holdovermarks 332, 336.

In various embodiments, these ranges are user-selected. For purpose ofexample, the first holdover mark 332 could be user-selected to indicatea range of two-hundred yards while the second holdover mark 336 could beuser-selected to indicate a range of four-hundred yards. In one or moreembodiments, the position of the first and second holdover marks 332,336 is based on a ballistic trajectory determined from ballistics datafor a particular weapon and ammunition combination. For example, in oneor more embodiments a first type of ammunition and a first type ofweapon will generate BDC holdover marks 324 in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B depicts a reticle display field 304 including BDC holdover marks340, 344 positioned based on a second ballistic trajectory. The secondballistic trajectory is different from the first ballistic trajectory asa result in a change in ballistics data. For example, the ballisticsdata could change as a result of a change in the type of ammunition,weapon, or due to other factors such as altitude, humidity, temperature,and air density. Holdover marks 340, 344 indicate the same ranges asholdover marks 332, 336 depicted in FIG. 3A (two-hundred yards andfour-hundred yards). However, due to the change in the ballistictrajectory, the position of holdover marks 340, 344 has been altered toaccommodate or new bullet drop compensation. Similarly as with FIG. 3A,holdover marks 340, 344 include holdover points 314 a 2, 314 b 2,denoting the points of aim for firing a projectile at the rangesindicated by the holdover marks 340, 344.

In one or more embodiments, the holdover marks of various BDC patterns,for example, the marks of FIG. 3A and the marks of FIG. 3B are displayedconcurrently. As such, in certain embodiments, the reticle display fieldcan include one or more BDC patterns simultaneously to facilitate quickchanges of ammunition without the need to reconfigure the reticle, orfor other reasons. In various embodiments different BDC patterns can bedifferentiated in the reticle display field by using a separate displaycolor for each of the BDC patterns.

In FIG. 3C the BDC holdover marks 340, 344 are substantially the same asin FIG. 3B, and again indicate ranges of two-hundred and four-hundredyards. BDC holdover marks 348, 352 are added to the pattern 308,indicating additional ranges along the second ballistic trajectory. Forexample, BDC holdover marks 348, 352 could indicate yardage ofthree-hundred yards, and six-hundred yards, respectively. Similarly withregard to FIG. 3B, holdover marks 348, 352, include holdover points 314c 3, 314 d 3, denoting the points of aim for firing a projectile at therange indicated by the holdover marks 348, 352.

In addition windage adjustment marks 356, 360 have been added to thereticle pattern 308. In various embodiments, additional BDC holdovermarks 348, 352 and additional windage adjustment marks 356, 360 areadded to the reticle display field 308 in response to receiving inputfrom a user requesting additional range indications. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the holdover marks 340, 344 can be modified toindicate various other ranges at any time in response to user input. Forexample, holdover marks 340, 344 could be modified to indicateone-hundred and twenty five yards, and one hundred and fifty yards,respectively, or any other suitable range along the second ballistictrajectory.

FIGS. 3D-3E depict BDC holdover marks 324 including a first holdovermark 332 and a second holdover mark 336. However, in addition, FIGS.3D-3E include a variety of status indicators 350, projected onto thephysical reticle pane. In various embodiments, each of the statusindicators 350 include various environmental information, orientationinformation, and/or system information such as battery life, displaysettings, other settings, or other various indicators for a user.

For example, referring to FIG. 3E, the reticle display field can have auser options menu 354 displayed for user selection/configuration of thesystem for BDC while looking down scope. The menu 354 includes varioustext options along with a number of icons for changing/configuringvarious settings. As such, in various embodiments, the user make varioussettings adjustments or otherwise configure the scope reticle whileminimizing movements and/or potential nose. In various embodiments, themenu 354 and other various status indicators 350 are projected onto thesecond reticle plane, such that the menu 354 and other indicators 350are not subject to magnification or other image modification that mightdistort the displayed image or make the image unreadable for a user.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method 400 of configuring areticle in an optical aiming device for BDC. In various embodiments, themethod 40 is implemented with an optical aiming device such as opticalaiming device 100, 200 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In some embodiments,method 400 is implemented in a larger system, described further withreference to FIG. 5 .

In one or more embodiments, in operation 404, the method 400 includesreceiving ballistics data. Ballistics data is a collection of varioustypes of data which affect a ballistic trajectory for a firearm andammunition. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the ballistics dataincludes a type of ammunition, a type of firearm, and/or other factorssuch as altitude, humidity, temperature, and air density. In certainembodiments, the type of ammunition includes information about thecharacteristics of the ammunition including grain, the amount of powder,caliber of the round, and other information. In some embodiments, thetype of firearm includes information about the characteristics of thefirearm including barrel length, caliber, compatible ammunition, andother information.

In certain embodiments, in operation 408, method 400 includesdetermining a ballistic trajectory using the ballistics data. Theballistic trajectory is a path or estimated path that a projectile willtake under the effect of gravity. In some embodiments, the ballistictrajectory can additionally include other forces on the projectile, suchas aerodynamic drag and friction. In various embodiments, the ballistictrajectory is determined based on a set of calculations performed inresponse to receiving the ballistics data. In some embodiments, theballistic trajectory is determined by looking up a predeterminedtrajectory that matches with the received ballistics data, for example,stored in a lookup table in computer memory.

In some embodiments, in operation 412, the method 400 includes receivingone or more user inputs indicating BDC preferences. In variousembodiments, a user submits preferences regarding the number of BDCholdover marks, ranges indicated by the BDC holdover marks, the designof the zero mark, windage marks, or other information. In response, inone or more embodiments, in operation 416, the method 400 includesdetermining a BDC pattern including a plurality of holdover marksindicating ranges along the ballistic trajectory, based on the user BDCpreferences.

In various embodiments, in operation 420, the method 400 includesprojecting the BDC pattern onto a reticle display field. In variousembodiments, the BDC pattern is projected onto the reticle display fieldin substantially the same manner as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , a system 500 for configuring a reticle pattern forBDC is depicted, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In one or more embodiments, the system 500 includes a clientdevice 504, an optical aiming device 508, and a server device 512,interconnected via a network 514. In one or more embodiments, opticalaiming device 508 is the same or substantially similar as optical aimingdevice 200 depicted in FIG. 2 . Accordingly, in various embodiments,optical aiming device 508 includes one or more processing elements andmemory for storing and/or executing instructions or software. Forexample, in one or more embodiments, optical aiming device 508 includesclient software 516.

Client software 516 is a set of logical instructions that are stored inmemory accessible to the optical aiming device 508 for execution by itsprocessing elements. Described further herein, in various embodiments,client software 516 is BDC reticle configuration software configured toperform one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, incertain embodiments, optical aiming device 508 includes input/outputdevices 520 for interfacing with a user. For example, optical aimingdevice 508 can include a display, keyboard, touchscreen, or othersuitable user interface for receiving commands and outputting data tousers.

The client device 504 is a physical computing device, usable by aconsumer or other user, including memory and one or more processingelements for storing and/or executing instructions or software. Forexample, in one or more embodiments the client device 504 is a mobilecomputing device such as a tablet, smart phone, wearable computer, orother suitable mobile device. In some embodiments, the client device 504is a more general computing device such as, for example, a laptopcomputer, desktop computer, or other computing device.

In one or more embodiments, the client device 504 includes input/outputdevices 524 for interfacing with a user. For example, client device 504can include a display and/or touchscreen and a graphical user interface(GUI) for receiving commands and outputting data to users.

The client device 504 includes client software 528. Client software 528is a set of logical instructions that are stored in memory accessible tothe client device 504 for execution by processing elements. In certainembodiments, client software 528 is stored locally on the client device504. In some embodiments, client software 528 is stored remotely and isaccessible to the client device 504 via network 514.

In one or more embodiments client software 528 allows a user toconfigure various settings for the BDC system 500 via the input/outputdevices 524. For example, in one or more embodiment client software 528allows a user to select or configure the reticle or BDC pattern orvarious holdover marks displayed by the optical aiming device 508. Incertain embodiments client software 528 allows the user to createcustom, user designed reticles for display in the optical aiming device508. For example, in certain embodiments, client software 528 includesvarious design tools such that a user can interface with the softwarevia input/output devices 524 to create, design, or modify variousreticle patterns. In one or more embodiments the client device 504includes a library or database of stored reticle patterns in localmemory or stored remotely in memory accessible to the client device 508via the network 514 or another network, such as for example a publicnetwork (e.g. the internet).

The server device 512 is a computing device including memory and one ormore processing elements for storing and/or executing instructions orsoftware. Server device 512 includes server software 532. Serversoftware 532 is a set of logical instructions stored in memoryaccessible to the server device for execution by processing elements.

In one or more embodiments, server device 512 includes a database 536including client data 540 and ballistics data 544. Client data 540includes various information corresponding to the client device 504and/or a user. For example, client data 540 can include user accountinformation, and various other data related to the user.

Ballistics data 544 includes a collection of various firearm data andammunition data for determining ballistic trajectories. For example inone or more embodiments, ballistics data includes data for variousfirearms including compatible ammunition, caliber, barrel length, andother firearm characteristics. In some embodiments the ballistics dataincludes data for various ammunition types and characteristics, such asgain size and powder.

In one or more embodiments, client device 504, optical aiming device508, and server device 512 are interconnected via network 514, forcommunication of data between the elements in the system 500. In one ormore embodiments, the network 514 may be, for example, a local areanetwork, a wide area network, a cloud computing environment, a publicnetwork (e.g. the internet), or other suitable network for communicationbetween the elements in the system 500. In certain embodiments, opticalaiming device 508 and client device 504 are directly connected via awireless connection 548. For example, in certain embodiments a networkadapter can communicate using Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, or other suitable typeof wireless communication. In some embodiments, optical aiming device508 and client device 504 are directly connected via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, client device 504 and server device 512 are asingle device that includes both client software 528 and server software532. For example, client device 504 and server device 512 could beconfigured in a single seat setup, networked with client software 516located in optical aiming device 508. In some embodiments, client device504, server device 512, and optical aiming device 508 are a singledevice that includes client software 516, 528, and server software 532.

In operation, system 500 is configured to perform one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, system 500 isconfigured to execute a method, such as method 400 as described withreference to FIG. 4 . For example, client device 504 can be configuredto receive inputs from a user. In one or more embodiments, these inputscorrespond to various types of ballistic data such as firearm type,ammunition type, and other type of ballistic data. Upon receiving theseinputs, client device 504 and server device 512 can communicate todetermine a ballistic trajectory.

In addition to receiving inputs corresponding to ballistic data, in oneor more embodiments, client device can receive inputs regarding desiredBDC ranges for display in the optical aiming device 508. Based on thedesired BDC ranges, and the ballistic data, the client device 504 andserver device 512 can communicate to determine a BDC pattern thatincludes a plurality of BDC holdover marks that indicate the desiredranges. After the BDC pattern is determined, client device 504 cancommunicate with the optical aiming device to project the determinedpattern onto a reticle pane and upon the reticle display field.

FIG. 6 , depicts a block diagram of a client device/server device 600for configuring a reticle for BDC, according to one or more embodiments.In various embodiments, client device/server device 600 is the same orsubstantially similar to client device 504 and/or server device 512depicted in FIG. 5 . Client device/server device 600 is only one exampleof a suitable system and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of the embodiments described herein.

In various embodiments, client device/server device 600 is operationalwith numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing systemenvironments or configurations. Examples of well-known computingsystems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable foruse with client device/server device 600 include, but are not limitedto, personal computer systems, server computer systems, handheld,mobile, or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-basedsystems, distributed computing environments, or other suitable computingsystem.

Client device/server device 600 can be described in the general contextof computer system, including executable instructions, such as programmodules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modulescan include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, datastructures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. In some embodiments, clientdevice/server device 600 is practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a network. In a distributed computing environment,program modules are located in local and/or remote computer systemstorage media.

In one or more embodiments, client device/server device 600 includes oneor more processors or processing units 604, a system memory 608, and abus 612 that couples various system components including system memory608 to processor 604.

In various embodiments, bus 612 represents one or more of any of severaltypes of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, sucharchitectures can include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus.

In one or more embodiments, client device/server device 600 includes avariety of computer readable media. Such media is any available mediathat is accessible by client device/server device 600, including bothvolatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

For example, in certain embodiments, system memory 608 can includecomputer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM) 616 and/or cache memory 620. In various embodiments,memory 608 includes at least one program product having one or moreprogram modules or instructions that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the disclosure as described herein. As usedherein, memory or other computer readable storage mediums are not to beconstrued as being transitory. As such, a computer readable storagemedium refers to a physical non-transitory device.

For example, program 624 includes one or more program modules 628 thatare stored in memory 608. Program modules 628 generally carry out thefunctions and/or methodologies of one or more of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

In one or more embodiments client device/server device 600 alsocommunicates with one or more external devices 632 such as a keyboard, apointing device, a display, etc. In certain embodiments, clientdevice/server device 632 communicates with one or more devices thatenable client device/server device 600 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.). Suchcommunication occurs via an input/output (I/O) interface 636.Additionally, in various embodiments, client device/server device 600can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 640.

While FIGS. 1A-1B depict an optical aiming device 100, 102, thatincludes one or more display devices housed internally within a housing104, in some embodiments, an attachable separate device can be attachedto a typical optical aiming device to configure the device for BDC. Forexample, FIGS. 7A-7B depict stages of assembly of a system 700 forconfiguring an optical aiming device for BDC, according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the system700 includes an optical aiming device 702 and a BDC device 704.

In various embodiments, the BDC device 704 is separately attachableand/or removable to the optical aiming device 702 to configure theoptical aiming device for BDC as described according to one or more ofthe embodiments above. In one or more embodiments the BDC device 704includes a housing 708 or frame for attachment to the eyepiece 124 ofthe optical aiming device 702. In addition, the BDC device 702 includesa display device 164. Display device 164 is the same or substantiallysimilar to display device 164 as described above, and includes. Invarious embodiments, housing 708 includes a processor, memory, powersource, and other componentry for operation of the display device 164according to one or more of the embodiments described above.

Referring to FIG. 8 a system architecture for electronic circuitry in anoptical aiming device 800 is depicted, according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

In various embodiments, optical aiming device 800 includes one or morecomponents that are the same or substantially similar to the opticalaiming device 200 depicted in FIG. 2 and like elements are referencedwith the same reference numeral(s). For example, the optical aimingdevice 800 includes a processor 204, a memory 208, network adaptor 212,input/output (I/O) interface 216, a bus 220 that communicatively couplesvarious system components, a user input device 224, and an externaldisplay 228.

In certain embodiments, further described with reference to FIGS. 10-12, memory 208 includes at least one program product having a group of oneor more logical instructions that are executable by the processor 204 tocarry out the functions of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

In one or more embodiments the optical device 800 includes a displaydevice 864. In one or more embodiments, the display 864 is any suitabletype of display device including, but not limited to, an organic lightemitting display (OLED), a standard light emitting diode (LED) display,and a liquid crystal display (LCD). In certain embodiments, the displaydevice 864 is substantially similar to display 164, and is configured toproject the digital reticle image, via a beam splitter, into the reticledisplay field. In certain embodiments, the display device includes oneor more LEDs mounted in the reticle pane, each of the one or more LEDsselectively energizable to form at least part of the digital reticleimage. Additional examples of energizable LEDs can be found, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,679, titled “Trajectory CompensatingSighting Device Systems and Methods”, incorporated herein by reference.In certain embodiments, display device 864 can be any combination ofdevices for displaying a digital reticle image.

In one or more embodiments the optical device 800 includes amagnification sensor 804. The magnification sensor 804 is a deviceconfigured to provide one or more output signals that can be used, bythe processor 204 or like device, to calculate, estimate, or otherwisedetermine a magnification setting of the optical device 800. In variousembodiments the optical device 800 is configured to magnify a down-rangeimage through an array of internal lenses and present the magnifiedimage to a user through the eyepiece portion. In various embodiments themagnification of the down-range image is alterable between a pluralityof various settings based on the configuration of the internal lenses.

For instance, in certain embodiments the optical device 800 could have aplurality of magnification settings including, for example, a 1×, 2×,4×, 8×, and 16× magnification settings. However, the optical device 800could be configured to have any suitable magnification setting asdesired and allowed by the design of the internal elements of the device800.

In such embodiments the sensor 804 will produce an identifiable outputto the processor 204 that corresponds to the magnification setting suchthat the processor 204 is able to determine the magnification settingand the physical configuration of the internal components of the opticaldevice 800 associated with each setting.

As such, and described further below, in various embodiments the opticaldevice 800 can be configured for automatic alteration of the reticledisplay field in the device 800 based on the magnification settings ofthe device 800. In such embodiments, the device 800 can be configured touse the magnification setting to determine an expected engagement rangefor a target. In various embodiments each magnification setting of thedevice 800 is associated with an expected engagement range. For example,the device 800 could determine an expected engagement range thatincludes close-range targets, such as targets within 50 yards, based ona magnification setting of 3× or lower while determining an expectedengagement range that excludes close-range targets at magnificationsettings of 4× or larger.

In various embodiments the device 800 can be configured to modify orotherwise alter a reticle image that is presented to a user based on thedetermined expected engagement range. For instance, in variousembodiments the reticle image will have portions, such as close-rangeelements, long-range elements, or other elements, that are associatedwith a particular expected engagement range. In one or embodiments, thedevice 800 can be configured to automatically modify or otherwise altera reticle image such that the reticle image presents elements to theuser that have expected engagement ranges that overlaps with or areotherwise associated with the expected engagement range of themagnification setting. As a result, in various embodiments the device800 can be configured to present a reticle image most suitable for theexpected engagement range/magnification settings of the device 800.

In various embodiments the sensor 804 may be a rotary or linear sensorthat detects a position of the magnification adjustment element for theoptical aiming device 800. In some embodiments the magnification sensor804 could include a power ring angular position sensor that detects theposition of a power ring that may be adjusted to control magnification.Further, in various embodiments the type of sensor utilized for themagnification sensor 804 can include, but is not limited to, encoders,laser encoders, proximity sensors, proximity switches, photoelectricsensors, photo eyes, fiber optic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, andpotentiometers.

In some embodiments, the magnification sensor 804 additionally oralternatively is configured as a linear motion sensor or a positionsensor that detects the position of the one or more axially spacederector lenses 148, 149, 150, mounted within the erector tube 140 (FIG.1A) for magnification and creation of a reticle display field in theoptical pathway. For example, the sensor 804 may detect the spacederector lenses relative to a datum, or relative to the reticle pane 144.In such embodiments, the output of the magnification sensor 804 may beused by the processor 204 to determine a change in lens positionrelative to one another and/or the corresponding magnificationassociated with that lens position.

In certain embodiments described further below, such as where theoptical aiming device 800 utilizes a camera or digital display, thecontrols used to increase or alter the magnification of the digitaldisplay may be configured to send a signal to the processor 204 toindicate the magnification setting.

FIG. 8 is only one example of a suitable system and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theembodiments described herein. Regardless, the depicted systemarchitecture is capable of being implemented and/or performing thefunctionality as set forth herein.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, a variety of reticle display fields 900 a, 900b, 900 c, and 900 d are depicted, according to one or more embodimentsof the disclosure. In various embodiments, each of the reticle displayfields 900 a, 900 b, 900 c, 900 d, includes a primary reticle pattern904 a, 904 b, 904 c, 904 d, each having a vertical portion 908 and ahorizontal portion 912 that together indicate a central mark 916. Invarious embodiments the central mark 916 denotes a zero point for azeroed in range for the reticle, as described above.

As depicted in FIGS. 9A-9D the primary reticle pattern can be configuredas a variety of reticle designs. In various embodiments the primaryreticle is a physical reticle formed in the reticle display field. Forinstance, the primary reticle could be formed via etched lines, wires,or the like, that form a permanently present element in the reticledisplay field. However, as described above, in some embodiments, some orall of the primary reticle could be digitally projected. Further, incertain embodiments, the some or all of the primary reticle could be aphysical reticle where some or all of the physical reticle elements areenergized or illuminated to improve visibility in certain conditions.

In various embodiments the reticle display fields 900 a, 900 b, 900 c,900 d, each include a secondary reticle 920. Depicted in FIGS. 9A-9D,the secondary reticle 920 is a reticle that at least partially surroundsthe central mark 916 and comprises a ring or generally circular shape.In various embodiments, the secondary reticle 920 is configured to havea generally large size relative to the central mark 916. In suchembodiments, the secondary reticle 920 configured for use as a reticlein close-range situations. For example, in various embodiments thesecondary reticle 920 is configured for use against targets within 50yards, while the central mark 916 and primary reticle 904 a, 904 b, 904c, 904 d are zeroed in for longer engagements, such as for use againsttargets at about 100 yards or greater. However, the intended engagementranges for the secondary reticle 920 and the primary reticle areintended to vary. For example, the based on the design of the respectivereticles, the ammunition, firearm, the zeroed in range of the opticalaiming device, and other factors.

While the secondary reticle 920 is configured as a ring or generallycircular shape in FIGS. 9A-9D, the secondary reticle could be configuredto have any suitable reticle shape. For example, in certain embodimentsthe secondary reticle could be configured as a crosshairs, 2 MOA orgreater red dot, a circle dot reticle, T-shaped reticle, or othersuitable reticle design. Further, in various embodiments the secondaryreticle 920 could be configured as a completely alternate reticle. Forexample, in some embodiments, the primary reticle could be configured asthe reticle 900 a depicted in FIG. 9A, while the secondary reticle isconfigured as a MIL-dot reticle 900 b, such as depicted in FIG. 9B.

In various embodiments, the secondary reticle 920 is a projected reticlethat is generated or projected upon the reticle pane by a display, suchas display device 164 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, secondary reticle 920 isentirely customizable. For example, in certain embodiments a variety ofdifferent types/designs for the secondary reticle 920 could be utilizedand changed in real-time depending upon the preferences of a user.Similarly, in various embodiments, the secondary reticle 920 can bemoved, removed, made larger, made smaller, or have other modificationsbased on the output image of a display.

In one or more embodiments the secondary reticle 920 is configured fordisplay at particular magnification settings for an optical deviceassociated with the reticle display field 900 a, 900 b, 900 c, 900 d.For instance, in some embodiments, the secondary reticle 920 isdisplayed while the optical device is configured for a 3× or lowermagnification while being configured to disappear from the reticledisplay field 900 a, 900 b, 900 c, 900 d at magnifications set to 4× orgreater. However, it is intended that the magnification settings atwhich the secondary reticle 920 is configured to appear or disappear canentirely vary based on the preferences of a user.

As such, in various embodiments an optical device can be configured forautomatic alteration of the reticle display field 900 a, 900 b, 900 c,900 d. In such embodiments a device can be configured to modify orotherwise alter a reticle image that is presented to a user based on anexpected engagement range. As a result, in various embodiments thedevice can be configured to present a reticle image most suitable forthe expected engagement range/magnification settings of the device.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a flowchart diagram of a method 1000 of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments,the method 1000 is implemented with an optical aiming device such asoptical aiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 . However, variousembodiments apply to other types of aiming devices, such as acamera-based aiming device, described further below with reference toFIG. 13 . In some embodiments, method 1000 is implemented in a largersystem, described further with reference to FIG. 5 .

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1004, the method 1000 includesdetermining a magnification setting for an aiming device having aprimary reticle and a digital secondary reticle. As described above, invarious embodiments the aiming device could have a plurality ofmagnification settings and a magnification sensor configured to producean identifiable output to the processor of the aiming device such thatthe processor is able to determine the magnification setting.

In various embodiments the magnification sensor may be a rotary orlinear sensor that detects a position of the magnification adjustmentelement for the optical aiming device. In some embodiments themagnification sensor could include a power ring angular position sensor.Further, in various embodiments the type of sensor utilized for themagnification sensor 804 can include, but is not limited to, encoders,laser encoders, proximity sensors, proximity switches, photoelectricsensors, photo eyes, fiber optic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, andpotentiometers.

In various embodiments, the aiming device will present a reticle displayfield to a user through a viewing portion of the aiming device. In suchembodiments the reticle display field can include a primary reticlepattern that indicates a central mark for assisting the user in aiming.In one or more embodiments, the primary reticle is a physical reticle,formed via etched lines, wires, or the like, that forms a permanentlypresent element in the reticle display field. However, as describedabove, in some embodiments, some or all of the primary reticle could bedigitally projected. Further, in certain embodiments, the some or all ofthe primary reticle could be a physical reticle where some or all of thephysical reticle elements are energized or illuminated.

In various embodiments the reticle display field optionally includes adigital secondary reticle. In such embodiments the secondary reticle isa projected reticle that is generated or projected upon the reticle paneby a display, such as display device 164 described above with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 .

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1008, the method 1000 includesdetermining an expected engagement range for the magnification setting.As described above, in various embodiments the expected engagement rangeis a general range at which target engagement is expected to occur usingthe device. For example, when the device is configured with highermagnification settings the device will have a larger expected engagementrange while configurations with lower magnification settings willgenerally provide a lower expected engagement range.

In certain embodiments the expected engagement range for themagnification setting can be determined via pre-determined alookup-table that includes associations between various magnificationsettings and engagement ranges. In some embodiments, the lookup-tablecan simply include associations between various magnification settingsand reticle designs/secondary reticles. In such embodiments, theconnection between engagement range and magnification settings can bedetermined prior to use, with the resulting associations between variousreticles and device magnification settings programmed into thelookup-table stored in memory. In some embodiments the expectedengagement range could be determined via an algorithm in real-time.

In one or more embodiments, at decision block 1012, the method 1000includes determining whether the secondary reticle is configured fortarget engagement within the expected engagement range. In variousembodiments, by determining whether the secondary reticle is configuredfor use within the expected engagement range, the aiming device can thenmodify or otherwise alter a reticle image that is presented to a userbased on the determined expected engagement range. As a result, invarious embodiments the aiming device can be configured to present areticle image most suitable for the expected engagementrange/magnification settings of the device.

For example, in certain embodiments the expected engagement range forthe secondary reticle can be determined via pre-determined alookup-table that includes associations between various secondaryreticle designs and engagement ranges. In some embodiments, thelookup-table can simply include associations between variousmagnification settings and reticle designs/secondary reticles. In suchembodiments, the connection between engagement range and magnificationsettings can be determined prior to use, with the resulting associationsbetween various reticles and device magnification settings programmedinto the lookup-table stored in memory. For example, in certainembodiments, the device could determine an expected engagement rangethat includes close-range targets, such as targets within 50 yards,based on a magnification setting of 3× or lower. As such, in variousembodiments where the secondary reticle is associated with engagementranges within 50 yards the device can determine that the secondaryreticle should be presented to the user. Similarly, where the devicedetermines an expected engagement range that does not include clos-rangetargets the device can determine that the secondary reticle should notbe presented to the user.

If, at decision block 1012, the secondary reticle is configured fortarget engagement within the expected engagement range then the method1000 proceeds to operation 1016 where the method 1000 includesdisplaying the secondary reticle in the reticle display field.

If, at decision block 1012, the secondary reticle is not configured fortarget engagement within the expected engagement range then the method1000 proceeds to operation 1020 where the method 1000 includes notdisplaying the secondary reticle in the reticle display field.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a flowchart diagram of a method 1100 of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments,the method 1100 is implemented with an optical aiming device such asoptical aiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 . However, variousembodiments apply to other types of aiming devices, such as acamera-based aiming device, described further below with reference toFIG. 13 . In some embodiments, method 1100 is implemented in a largersystem, described further with reference to FIG. 5 .

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1104, the method 1100 includesdetermining a magnification setting for an aiming device having aprimary reticle and a digital secondary reticle.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1108, the method 1100 includesdetermining a first design for the secondary reticle based on the firstmagnification setting. As described above, in various embodiments, thesecondary reticle is a projected reticle that is generated or projectedupon the reticle pane by a display, such as display device 164 describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . Accordingly, in one or moreembodiments, secondary reticle is entirely customizable.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1112, the method 1100 includesdisplaying the first design of the secondary reticle in the reticledisplay field. In one or more embodiments, in operation 1116, the method1100 includes determining a second magnification setting for the aimingdevice.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1120, the method 1100 includesdetermining a second design for the secondary reticle based on thesecond magnification setting. In one or more embodiments, in operation1124, the method 1100 includes displaying the second design for thesecondary reticle in the reticle display field.

As a result, in various embodiments a variety of different types/designsfor the secondary reticle could be utilized and changed in real-timefrom a first design to second depending upon the magnification settingsof the device. Similarly, in various embodiments, changes to the designof the secondary reticle can include moving, removing, making thereticle larger, smaller, or making other modifications.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a flowchart diagram of a method 1200 of automaticconfiguration of the reticle display field in an aiming device isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments,the method 1200 is implemented with an optical aiming device such asoptical aiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 . However, variousembodiments apply to other types of aiming devices, such as acamera-based aiming device, described further below with reference toFIG. 13 . In some embodiments, method 1200 is implemented in a largersystem, described further with reference to FIG. 5 .

In various embodiments the method 1200 includes, at operation 1204determining a first magnification setting for an aiming device having adigital reticle.

As described above, in some embodiments, some or all of the primaryreticle of an aiming device could be digitally projected. Further, incertain embodiments, the some or all of the primary reticle could be aphysical reticle where some or all of the physical reticle elements areenergized or illuminated to improve visibility in certain conditions. Assuch, in various embodiments the primary reticle pattern can becustomized/configured using one or more of a variety of reticle designs.For example, in one or more embodiments, the primary reticle could beconfigured based on magnification settings of the aiming device. Assuch, in various embodiments the method 1200 includes, at operation1208, determining a first design for the digital reticle based on thefirst magnification setting. In various embodiments the method 1200includes, at operation 1212, displaying the first design of the digitalreticle in the reticle display field.

In various embodiments the method 1200 includes, at operation 1216,determining a second magnification setting for the aiming device. Invarious embodiments the method 1200 includes, at operation 1220,determining a second design for the digital reticle based on the secondmagnification setting. In various embodiments the method 1200 includes,at operation 1224, displaying the second design for the digital reticlein the reticle display field.

As a result, in various embodiments a variety of different types/designsfor the reticle of the aiming device could be utilized and changed inreal-time from a first design to second depending upon the magnificationsettings of the device. Similarly, in various embodiments, changes tothe design of the reticle can include moving, removing, making thereticle larger, smaller, or making other modifications.

Referring to FIG. 13 a system architecture for an aiming device 1300 isdepicted, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Invarious embodiments aiming device 1300 is a digital scope, including acamera in a forward objective portion 1304 of the device 1300 and adisplay viewable through the eyepiece portion 1308 of the device 1300 toassist the user in aiming an attached firearm, as described above. Assuch, various embodiments of the disclosure, such as those describedabove with reference to FIGS. 8-12 , are entirely applicable to aimingdevices including camera based aiming devices, without interior lensesor optical elements. Similarly, embodiments of the disclosure areapplicable to aiming devices including a combination of camera basedaiming devices with interior lenses and optical elements. For example,one or more embodiments of the disclosure are applicable torange-finding devices, smart scopes, thermographic cameras, night-visionscopes, infrared scopes, and the like.

In various embodiments, aiming device 1300 includes one or morecomponents that are the same or substantially similar to the opticalaiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 and like elements are referencedwith the same reference numeral(s). For example, the optical aimingdevice 1300 includes a processor 204, a memory 208, network adaptor 212,input/output (I/O) interface 216, display 164, a bus 220 thatcommunicatively couples various system components, a user input device224, an external display 228, and a magnification sensor 804.

In various embodiments the aiming device 1300 is configured to magnify adown-range image through various digital means and present the magnifiedimage to a user through the eyepiece portion. As described,magnification sensor 804 can be configured to use inputs, such as fromuser input device 224, used to increase or alter the magnification ofthe digital display 1316 to send a signal to the processor 204 toindicate the magnification setting of the device 1300.

In addition, in various embodiments the device 1300 includes anobjective camera 1312 and an output display 1316. As described, invarious embodiments the camera 1312 and display 1316 function to receiveemitted light and to display a digital representation of the receivedlight for view of a user through the eyepiece portion 1208 to assist theuser in aiming a firearm. In various embodiments the camera 1312 can beconfigured to detect infrared, thermographic signatures, enhancelow-light conditions, or perform other functions to function as aspecial-purpose scope or aiming device.

In certain embodiments, further described with reference to FIGS. 10-12, memory 208 includes at least one program product having a group of oneor more logical instructions that are executable by the processor 204 tocarry out the functions of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is only one example of a suitable system and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theembodiments described herein. Regardless, the depicted systemarchitecture is capable of being implemented and/or performing thefunctionality as set forth herein.

Referring to FIG. 14 and FIGS. 16A-16C, a flowchart diagram of a method1400 of automatic configuration of the reticle display field in anaiming device is depicted along with reticle display fields 1600 a, 1600b, and 1600 c, according to one or more embodiments. Described furtherbelow, the reticle display fields 1600 a, 1600 b, and 1600 c cancorrespond with various stages/operations of method 1400.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1404, the method 1400 includesdetermining a first magnification setting for an aiming device having areticle display field with a digital reticle portion. Referring to FIGS.16A-16B, a reticle display field 1600 a is depicted including a primaryreticle 904 a including a central mark 916. As described above,embodiments the digital reticle portion is displayed under certainconditions. For example, FIG. 16A shows the reticle display field 1600 awithout the digital reticle portion and reticle display field 1600 bincluding the digital reticle portion 1604 being actively displayed withthe primary reticle 904 a.

As described above, in various embodiments the aiming device can beconfigured between one or more of a plurality of magnification settings.In such embodiments, a magnification sensor in the aiming device canproduce an output signal indicating the magnification setting fordetermining when changes to the magnification setting have occurred andwhat magnification the aiming device is configured for.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1408, the method 1400 includesdetermining an expected engagement range for the first magnificationsetting and the digital reticle portion. As described above, in certainembodiments the expected engagement range for the magnification settingand the expected engagement range for the digital reticle portions canbe determined via pre-determined a lookup-table that includesassociations between various magnification settings and engagementranges and/or digital reticle portions and engagement ranges. In someembodiments, the lookup-table can simply include associations betweenvarious magnification settings and digital reticle portions. In suchembodiments, the connection between engagement range and magnificationsettings can be determined prior to use, with the resulting associationsbetween various reticle portions and device magnification settingsprogrammed into the lookup-table stored in memory. In some embodimentsthe expected engagement range could be determined via an algorithm inreal-time.

In one or more embodiments, in decision block 1412, the method 1400includes determining whether the engagement range for the firstmagnification setting and the engagement range for the digital reticleportion overlap.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1416, the method 1400 includesdisplaying the digital reticle portion in the reticle display field inresponse to determining that the expected engagement range of the firstdigital reticle portion and the expected engagement range of the firstmagnification setting at least partially overlap.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1420, the method 1400 includesceasing display or simply not displaying the first digital reticleportion in the reticle display field, in response to determining thatthe expected engagement range of the first digital reticle portion andthe expected engagement range of the magnification setting do not atleast partially overlap.

In various embodiments, the method 1400 is implemented with an opticalaiming device such as optical aiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 .However, various embodiments apply to other types of aiming devices,such as camera-based aiming devices, such as the aiming device 1300depicted in in FIG. 13 , or other types of aiming devices as describedherein. In some embodiments, method 1400 is implemented in a largersystem, described further with reference to FIG. 5 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , and FIGS. 16A-16C, a flowchart diagram of amethod 1500 of automatic configuration of the reticle display field inan aiming device is depicted along with reticle display fields 1600 a,1600 b, and 1600 c, according to one or more embodiments. Describedfurther below, the reticle display fields 1600 a, 1600 b, and 1600 ccorrespond with various stages/operations of method 1500.

In various embodiments method 1500 can be implemented subsequent tooperation 1416 of method 1400. As such, in various embodiments, atoperation 1504, the method 1500 includes determining a secondmagnification setting for an aiming device having a reticle displayfield including a displayed first digital reticle portion and a seconddigital reticle portion that is not yet displayed.

As described above, in various embodiments the aiming device can beconfigured between one or more of a plurality of magnification settings.In such embodiments, a magnification sensor in the aiming device canproduce an output signal indicating the magnification setting fordetermining when changes to the magnification setting have occurred andwhat magnification the aiming device is configured for.

Referring to FIG. 16B, a reticle display field 1600 b is depictedincluding a primary reticle 904 a along with a first digital reticleportion 1604 that is actively displayed with the primary reticle 904 a(seen fully in reticle display field 1600 a in FIG. 16A). Describedfurther below, the aiming device is capable of additionally projecting asecond digital reticle portion in addition to the first reticle portion1604.

In various embodiments, at operation 1508, the method 1500 includesdetermining an expected engagement range for the second magnificationsetting and an expected engagement range for the second digital reticleportion. As described above, in certain embodiments the expectedengagement range for the magnification setting and the expectedengagement range for the digital reticle portions can be determined viapre-determined a lookup-table that includes associations between variousmagnification settings and engagement ranges and/or digital reticleportions and engagement ranges. In some embodiments, the lookup-tablecan simply include associations between various magnification settingsand digital reticle portions. In such embodiments, the connectionbetween engagement range and magnification settings can be determinedprior to use, with the resulting associations between various reticleportions and device magnification settings programmed into thelookup-table stored in memory. In some embodiments the expectedengagement range could be determined via an algorithm in real-time.

In one or more embodiments, in decision block 1512, the method 1500includes determining whether the engagement range for the secondmagnification setting and the engagement range for the second digitalreticle portion overlap.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1516, the method 1500 includesdisplaying the second digital reticle portion in the reticle displayfield in response to determining that the expected engagement range ofthe first digital reticle portion and the expected engagement range ofthe first magnification setting at least partially overlap.

In one or more embodiments, in operation 1520, the method 1500 includesceasing display or simply not displaying the second digital reticleportion in the reticle display field, in response to determining thatthe expected engagement range of the second digital reticle portion andthe expected engagement range of the second magnification setting do notat least partially overlap.

In various embodiments, the method 1500 is implemented with an opticalaiming device such as optical aiming device 800 depicted in FIG. 8 .However, various embodiments apply to other types of aiming devices,such as camera-based aiming devices, such as the aiming device 1300depicted in in FIG. 13 , or other types of aiming devices as describedherein. In some embodiments, method 1500 is implemented in a largersystem, described further with reference to FIG. 5 .

One or more embodiments may be a computer program product. The computerprogram product may include a computer readable storage medium (ormedia) including computer readable program instructions for causing aprocessor to configure an aiming device according to one or moreembodiments described herein. For example, as described above, in one ormore embodiments the operations of the various methods and embodimentsdescribed above are elements of a computer program product, included asprogram instructions that are embodied in a computer readable storagemedium. The computer readable storage medium is a tangible device thatcan retain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, anelectronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storagedevice, or other suitable storage media.

A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to beconstrued as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves orother freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic wavespropagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., lightpulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signalstransmitted through a wire.

Program instructions, as described herein, can be downloaded torespective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storagemedium or to an external computer or external storage device via anetwork, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide areanetwork and/or a wireless network. A network adapter card or networkinterface in each computing/processing device may receive computerreadable program instructions from the network and forward the computerreadable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storagemedium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out one or moreembodiments, as described herein, may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages.

The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on asingle computer, or partly on the single computer and partly on a remotecomputer. In some embodiments, the computer readable programinstructions may execute entirely on the remote computer. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the single computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or public network.

One or more embodiments are described herein with reference to aflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems, andcomputer program products for enhancing target intercept according toone or more of the embodiments described herein. It will be understoodthat each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams,and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, may be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some embodiments, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved.

In one or more embodiments, the program instructions of the computerprogram product are configured as an “App” or application executable ona laptop or handheld, or other suitable computer utilizing ageneral-purpose operating system.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for configuring a reticle displayfield of an aiming device, the aiming device including a housingdefining an objective portion and an eyepiece portion, the aiming deviceconfigured to present a down-range image and the reticle display fieldthrough the eyepiece portion and configurable between a plurality ofmagnification settings for magnifying the down-range image to a user,the system comprising: a display device configured to display a digitalreticle image in the reticle display field, the digital reticle imageincluding a first digital reticle portion; a magnification sensorconfigured to produce an output signal that indicates a magnificationsetting for the aiming device; a processor; a network adapter; and anon-transitory computer readable storage medium, the computer readablestorage medium including instructions executable by the processor tocause the processor to: receive a first output signal from themagnification sensor, the first output signal corresponding to a firstmagnification setting for the aiming device; determine, using the firstoutput signal, the first magnification setting; determine an expectedengagement range for the first magnification setting and an expectedengagement range for the first digital reticle portion; determine thatthe expected engagement range of the first digital reticle portion andthe expected engagement range of the first magnification setting atleast partially overlap; and in response to determining that theexpected engagement range of the first digital reticle portion and theexpected engagement range of the first magnification setting at leastpartially overlap, display, using the display device, the first digitalreticle portion in the reticle display field. transmit wirelessly, viathe network adapter, one or more of the first magnification setting, theexpected engagement range for the first magnification setting and theexpected engagement range for the first digital reticle portion to aclient device.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital reticleimage includes a second digital reticle portion, and wherein theinstructions included in the computer readable storage medium areexecutable by the processor to further cause the processor to: receive asecond output signal from the magnification sensor, the second outputsignal corresponding to a second magnification setting for the aimingdevice; determine, using the second output signal, the secondmagnification setting; determine an expected engagement range for thesecond magnification setting and an expected engagement range for thesecond digital reticle portion; determine that the expected engagementrange of the second digital reticle portion and the expected engagementrange of the second magnification setting at least partially overlap;and in response to determining that the expected engagement range of thesecond digital reticle portion and the expected engagement range of thesecond magnification setting at least partially overlap, display, usingthe display device, the second digital reticle portion in the reticledisplay field.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructionsincluded in the computer readable storage medium are further executableby the processor to: receive a second output signal from themagnification sensor, the second output signal corresponding to a secondmagnification setting for the aiming device; determine, using the secondoutput signal, the second magnification setting; determine an expectedengagement range for the second magnification setting; determine thatthe expected engagement range of the first digital reticle portion andthe expected engagement range of the second magnification setting do notat least partially overlap; and in response to determining that theexpected engagement range of the first digital reticle portion and theexpected engagement range of the second magnification setting do not atleast partially overlap, cease displaying, using the display device, thefirst digital reticle portion in the reticle display field.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the reticle display field includes a primaryreticle and a secondary reticle and wherein the secondary reticleincludes the first digital reticle portion.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the primary reticle is a physical reticle.
 6. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the digital reticle image includes a second digitalreticle portion and wherein the primary reticle includes the seconddigital reticle portion.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theinstructions included in the computer readable storage medium arefurther executable by the processor to: determine an expected engagementrange for the second digital reticle portion; determine that theexpected engagement range of the second digital reticle portion and theexpected engagement range of the first magnification setting at leastpartially overlap; and in response to determining that the expectedengagement range of the primary digital image and the expectedengagement range of the first magnification setting at least partiallyoverlap, display, using the display device, the primary digital image inthe reticle display field.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the digitalreticle image is selected from one or more of a 2 MOA or greater reddot, a circle dot, or a MIL-dot.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theaiming device includes an objective camera in the objective portion, andwherein the display device is configured to display a digitalrepresentation of the light received by the objective camera and thedigital reticle image overlaid on the digital representation.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the display device is one or more of anorganic light emitting display (OLED), a standard light emitting diode(LED) display, and a liquid crystal display (LCD).
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the display device is configured to project the digitalreticle image, via the beam splitter, into the reticle display field.12. The system of claim 1, wherein the aiming device is an opticalaiming device including a reticle pane and wherein the display deviceincludes one or more LEDs mounted in the reticle pane, each of the oneor more LEDs selectively energizable to form at least part of thedigital reticle image.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the clientdevice is a tablet, smart phone, or wearable computer.
 14. A system forconfiguring a reticle display field of an aiming device, the aimingdevice including a housing defining an objective portion and an eyepieceportion, the aiming device configured to present a down-range image andthe reticle display field through the eyepiece portion and configurablebetween a plurality of magnification settings for magnifying thedown-range image to a user, the system comprising: a display deviceconfigured to display a digital reticle image in the reticle displayfield, the digital reticle image including one or first digital reticleportions associated with an expected engagement range; a magnificationsensor configured to produce an output signal that indicates amagnification setting for the aiming device; a processor; a networkadapter; and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, thecomputer readable storage medium including instructions executable bythe processor to cause the processor to: receive a first output signalfrom the magnification sensor, the first output signal corresponding toa first magnification setting for the aiming device; determine, usingthe first output signal, the first magnification setting; determine anexpected engagement range for the first magnification setting; inresponse to determining that the expected engagement range of the firstmagnification setting, display, using the display device, the firstdigital reticle portion associated with the expected engagement range;and transmit wirelessly, via the network adapter, one or more of thefirst magnification setting, the expected engagement range for the firstmagnification setting and the expected engagement range for the firstdigital reticle portion to a client device.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the client device is a tablet, smart phone, or wearablecomputer.